Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Wahres Selbst / Español: Yo Real / Português: Eu Real / Français: Vrai Soi / Italian: Sé Reale

Real self in the psychology context refers to an individual's true, authentic self, encompassing their genuine thoughts, feelings, desires, and innate characteristics. It represents who a person truly is, as opposed to the ideal self (who they aspire to be) or the false self (a persona they might present to others). The concept of the real self is central to various psychological theories, particularly those in humanistic psychology, which emphasize the importance of self-awareness, authenticity, and personal growth.

Description

The real self is a concept that represents a person's authentic identity, which includes their natural tendencies, true feelings, and intrinsic motivations. Understanding and connecting with the real self is often considered crucial for psychological well-being, as it leads to greater self-acceptance, personal fulfillment, and overall mental health.

• Humanistic Psychology: In humanistic psychology, particularly in the work of Carl Rogers, the real self is a key concept. Rogers believed that psychological well-being comes from congruence between the real self and the ideal self (the person one wishes to be). When there is a significant gap between the real self and the ideal self, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and depression.

• Authenticity: Living in alignment with one's real self is often equated with authenticity. Being authentic means expressing one's true self without fear of judgment or rejection. It involves being honest about one's feelings, desires, and values, even when they differ from societal expectations or external pressures.

• Self-Concept: The real self is a part of an individual's self-concept, which is the overall understanding and perception they have of themselves. A healthy self-concept involves recognizing and embracing the real self, rather than trying to conform to external ideals or societal standards.

• False Self: The false self, a concept introduced by D.W. Winnicott in psychoanalysis, is a persona that individuals create to protect their real self from harm or to gain approval from others. This false self is often a façade, masking one's true feelings and desires. Living primarily through a false self can lead to feelings of emptiness and a lack of fulfillment.

• Congruence and Incongruence: Carl Rogers emphasized the importance of congruence, where a person's real self aligns with their experiences and actions. Incongruence occurs when there is a disconnect between one's real self and how they present themselves to the world or how they perceive themselves, leading to psychological distress.

• Personal Growth: Many psychological theories suggest that connecting with and expressing the real self is essential for personal growth and self-actualization. This process involves exploring one's true interests, values, and motivations, and living in a way that is consistent with them.

Application Areas

Real self is a concept that applies across various psychological and therapeutic contexts:

• Therapy and Counseling: Therapists often help clients explore and connect with their real self by encouraging self-awareness, authenticity, and self-acceptance. This can involve challenging the false self and addressing any incongruence between the real self and the ideal self.

• Self-Development: In self-help and personal development contexts, understanding and embracing the real self is seen as a path to greater happiness, fulfillment, and inner peace. Practices like mindfulness, journaling, and introspection are often used to facilitate this connection.

• Personality Development: The real self is central to personality development, where the goal is to understand one's core traits and characteristics, and to live in a way that is true to these inner qualities.

• Humanistic Psychology: In humanistic approaches, particularly those influenced by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, the real self is considered vital for achieving self-actualization, the process of realizing and fulfilling one's potential.

Well-Known Examples

• Carl Rogers’ Client-Centered Therapy: Rogers’ therapeutic approach focuses on helping clients achieve congruence between their real self and their ideal self. The therapy involves creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their true feelings and work toward self-acceptance.

• Authentic Living: Individuals who live authentically prioritize their real self over external expectations. For example, someone might choose a career that aligns with their true passions and values rather than one that is socially prestigious but unfulfilling.

• Exploring the False Self: In therapy, clients might work on identifying aspects of their false self, such as behaviors or attitudes adopted to please others or to fit into certain social roles. The goal is to move toward more authentic self-expression.

Similar Terms

• Self-Actualization: The process of realizing and fulfilling one’s potential, closely related to living in alignment with the real self.

• Authenticity: The quality of being true to oneself, involving honest self-expression that reflects the real self.

• Self-Concept: An individual’s overall perception and understanding of themselves, which includes the real self as a core component.

Summary

Real self in psychology refers to an individual's true and authentic self, encompassing their genuine thoughts, feelings, and desires. It is a key concept in humanistic psychology and is essential for personal growth, self-acceptance, and mental well-being. The real self contrasts with the ideal self (aspirations) and the false self (a facade presented to others). Understanding and connecting with the real self is seen as crucial for living authentically and achieving a fulfilling life. Therapy and self-development practices often focus on helping individuals explore and express their real self, leading to greater congruence and psychological health.

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